PAS calls for public access to preliminary report on pipeline blaze

Summary

• PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari stresses the importance of transparency to restore public confidence as the police are set to announce its preliminary findings into the Putra Heights fire incident.

• He says the public is not interested in details such as the length of the pipeline or the temperature at the time of the fire.

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PAS has urged authorities to make the preliminary report on the Putra Heights gas pipeline blaze, expected to be released today, accessible to the public.

“Today, the entire nation awaits the report not just to learn the specifics like the length of the pipeline that caught fire or the temperature at the time of the explosion,” said PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari in a statement.

He said the public wants answers on whether the monitoring system was functioning properly, who should have taken earlier action, who ignored warning signs, and most importantly, who should be held accountable for this disaster.

Fadhli stressed that for authorities to restore public trust, transparency is crucial.

Beyond releasing the report, the Pasir Mas MP said those responsible must be identified and subjected to disciplinary or legal action.

In addition, he called for an immediate and comprehensive audit of all gas pipelines in residential areas to ensure safety.

“The resident complaint system must also be strengthened and integrated into an early warning mechanism for any risk mitigation plans,” he added.

Another concern raised by Fadhli was the ongoing construction and development activities near the site of the gas pipeline explosion, which has sparked public unease.

Address netizens claims

Referencing information circulating on social media, he noted that various construction activities, including earthworks and utility infrastructure projects, were taking place mere metres away from the pipeline's route.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | What we know so far about the Putra Heights inferno

“The critical question here is - were these works carried out in full compliance with the approved underground utility plans?" Fadhli asked.

"In utility engineering, conducting a Utility Detection Survey (UDS) and utilising Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) are fundamental steps before any excavation near gas pipelines or high-voltage cables.

“If the construction contractor failed to do so, the risk of third-party interference with the pipeline structure increases, and this has been a leading cause of pipeline failures in past global incidents,” he added.

Fadhli further emphasised that a failure to conduct a Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA) for areas containing high-pressure pipes would point to serious professional negligence.

Yesterday, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari stated that state police chief Hussein Omar Khan would present a detailed update on the investigation, which will include both the technical causes and possible negligence or criminal factors involved.

The technical investigation is being led by several agencies, including the Public Works Department (PWD), the Occupational Safety and Health Department, Petronas, and other technical bodies, while the police are investigating potential criminal actions or negligence.

Amirudin said the investigation team would also examine viral videos circulating on social media about the fire.

If necessary, authorities may contact the individuals who posted these videos for further verification.

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